At approximately 5:50 p.m. on Saturday, July 13 the Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a female who identified herself as Jill Tunberg.
Tunberg stated she and a friend were kayaking on the Red Lake River in Red Lake Falls. Her friend had gone past the public landing at Sportsmans Park. She tried to catch up to her and was unable to do so. Tunberg reported that she was unable to get back upstream and that she was presently stuck on some rocks. She requested assistance.
Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene and were unable to gain access to the two kayakers by private property. Of note is that by kayak, the next public access is 3-5 hours downstream depending upon water levels and paddling.
The Red Lake Falls Fire Department was paged. Members of the Red Lake Falls Fire Department located the first female approximately 200 yards downstream from Sportsmans park. The Fire Dep’t transported her and her kayak upstream to the boat landing. The female was identified as Jill Tunberg, age 59, of Thief River Falls.
The 2nd female was located approximately one mile downstream. The Fire Department transported her and her kayak downstream where she was taken off the river on private property. The second female was identified as Joani Marquis, age 63 of Trail.
There were no injuries to either of the females. Both females were using privately owned kayaks and they accessed the river at a public location.
The Red Lake County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind area residents that although kayaking is becoming a popular way to enjoy the scenic Red Lake River, that safety has to be considered. Please consider the following:
1) Water depths and speed of the current vary from day to day and depend upon many natural and man-made factors such as rainfall and water dams located upstream.
2) Public access points to the river are limited
3) Make sure you know what your endpoint looks like so that you don’t go past it. (It can be several hours before the next public access is reached).
4) Consider marking your endpoint with GPS or google maps so you don’t miss your endpoint and bring a cell phone.
5) Kayakers and tubers should consider going with a local resident who is familiar with the river or utilizing the services of Voyageur’s View (218)253-4329 so that you can be briefed on any hazards and the route you will be taking. Voyageur’s View has kayak and tubing rentals available along with transportation services. Voyageur’s View monitors the river conditions on a daily basis. Both Voyaguer’s View and local residents who are familiar with the river are excellent sources of information.
6) Due to the rocky terrain of the river and varying river depths, there is no such thing as a quick rescue or response to problems along the river.
7) Remember to bring along any medications and or testing supplies (insulin, test meter, Epipen, etc) that you may need if your trip is delayed.
8) If consuming alcohol while on the river, please drink responsibly.
Please come and enjoy the scenic Red Lake River and the hospitality of the City and area retailers, but always plan ahead and be safe.
RED LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CALLED TO HELP TWO KAYAKERS, REMINDS RESIDENTS OF RIVER DANGERS AND SAFETY
